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Disabled, handicapped, physically challenged....Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
☼ WHEELCHAIR RAMP PLEASE DO NOT BLOCK ☼ - stands for the handicap symbol, you know, the one showing a wheelchair. This subject may, or not pertain to any person afflicted with HIV/ AIDS or even PML, but it is something I have to deal with for now. I never used to concern myself with issues about the disabled, but then, PML. I have been driving for one year and seven months. I am so excited to be driving again. It remains a thrill for me, but has become routine for me now at times and presents me with a unique view of life, so I notice things now like parking, curbs, doors, bathrooms, etc. Just be happy if you ca...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - February 13, 2009 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

A 'late' January 2009 UpdateEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I have decided to combine the aspects of an update with those of my BLOG which would give more insight as to why I have been so emotionally volatile lately and seemed so distant. I want family and friends to know why I have been so difficult since mid-October. I have earnestly begun to dig myself out of whatever doldrums I created for myself. A new attitude, right? I am hoping this sample of my writing tells my friends and family about why I should be an author and why I have worked so hard on my book. As of today (2/4/09) – my T-cells were 634 and viral load remains undetectable. I should have gone last week, but it ...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - February 4, 2009 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

My fiftieth birthdayEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
November 7, 2008 This latest BLOG will be added to my reworked book as its ending. It hit me like a ton of bricks this morning on November 6 just as I was slurping the last of my milk from my bowl of Cheerios ®, I’m turning FIFTY tomorrow! I almost choked on my mouthful of milk and then my eyes watered when so many memories hit simultaneously like cold water being thrown on me. I never imagined that I’d see fifty back when I was in my deep and darkest depths of my PML/ AIDS/ HIV back in February 2000. Hell, I was surprised when I celebrated my forty-second birthday later that year. I endured a difficult time over ...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - November 6, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Happily Ever AfterEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Somebody recently asked me what I was looking for in a lover. “Wow!” I thought to myself. I never really considered forming a list whether in my mind or on paper, but it has made me think about it a lot the past few days. What DO I want in a lover? Other than the obvious – he must be sexually compatible to me first of all. Then temper that sexuality with romance, passion and desire. Monogamy is a must because I would only hope we complete each other and we would only need each other. I know that may sound so provincial to some, but all those damned romantic books and movies end with a “Happily ever after” and I...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - October 31, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Part 3Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Dad and his Sour Cream My father is eighty-one years-old and enjoys when we go out to dinner because he likes my company too. I am a good sounding board for his complaints about his neighbors and all his projects he has yet to do or the household chores he needs to complete. So, we go out for dinner at 3:30 p.m., 4:00 if he’s in no particular hurry. We talk about the usual things like the weather, our cars, relatives, etc. But he always amazes me that two simple projects can take up his entire day. A trip to the pharmacy and a doctor appointment can fill his day. Most of us run by the pharmacy to/ from the doctor and ...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - October 18, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Part TwoEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Looking for Love I did not want to spend the rest of my life without a partner; be it years or even shorter than I hope my future to be. I was tired of living vicariously through friends spouting tales of their latest conquest or conquests. Then, my parents’ health became such a personal issue for me at the end of June which motivated me even further. I looked at them, then my siblings and realized I do not have a spouse or children even, when I enter my waning years. I am sure that that thought gave my quest to find a lover even more urgency. I also had even more pressure when I got my last T-cell count of 853 – I ...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - October 5, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

October 2008 UpdateEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I had my doctor appointment, October 1, 2008 and I received wonderful news today. My T-cells were 853 – up from 498 in June and I remain undetectable in my viral load. 853 is my all-time high since being diagnosed almost nine years ago. The only disappointing news was my cholesterol went up and I have been given until December 22 to try to adjust my diet and see how that works before reverting to medicines. One particularly funny thing is that both doctors are hell-bent on making sure I get my colonoscopy and have a prostate exam – I have to remind them smiling, “I won’t be fifty for another month, so relax!” I...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - October 2, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Memories, Tears and Apathy - Part 1Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I haven’t been writing much these days because it just seems everything has conspired to take the wind out of my sails – a perfect storm of seemingly diminutive events that just got a hold on me all at once...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - July 20, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

June 2008 UpdateEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I had my appointment today – CD 4 is 598 and viral load still undetectable. Last time my CD 4 was 627 and VL undetectable. My doctor was happy that the viral load has remained undetectable so long – almost...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - June 18, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

My LifeEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Life’s happenings has trumped my HIV – mostly I cannot decide whether I like it or it sucks. I have been keeping myself busy with so many things. First, I had March that heralded spring. St. Paddy’s Day was quiet...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - May 1, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

My dog, well, my mom's tooEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Sadie – January 12, 1994 to March 3, 2008 Sadie had to be put down on 3/3/08 after a series of strokes incapacitated her earlier that day. Sadie was 14 years old – 98 for us – and I hope...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - March 5, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

More than a wheelchair; more than HIVEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I was very forcefully reminded by one of my sisters, the one I live with; the one I’m closest too, when at the end of a phone conversation, she remarked, “I don’t think people really understand what you went through...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - February 2, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

January 2008 UpdateEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Happy New Year everyone (even though it is the end of January) My T-cells went from 630 to 627 and my viral load remains undetectable. All my other blood work – kidney, liver, etc – was very good and my...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - January 23, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Happy 2008! It HAS to be a good year! I know that I have been very remiss in keeping up with my BLOG, but it seemed right after my birthday in November, I got swamped with family scenarios, road trips...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - January 3, 2008 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Birthday BLOGEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This is my birthday BLOG since I have so remiss in writing lately! Busy with the mini-van and rediscoveries! It has been 8 years since the PML diagnosis on Nov. 5, 1999 and today is my birthday, Nov. 7; 49...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - November 7, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

My black suitEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I am sure that I will seem very superficial and vain when you read this, but this is back 8 years ago – not the person I am now or deep-down. This favored suit still hangs in the garment bag...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - October 8, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

September 2007 UpdateEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I drove for the first time – ALONE – to my Infectious Disease doctor for the first time in 7 ½ years since being back home on 9/26 and my counts were: 630 T-cells and viral load remained undetectable. 6...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - September 28, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

MY FIRST SOLO ROAD TRIP SINCE P.M.L.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A.K.A REQUIEM FOR ANOTHER GAY MECCA I went to New Hope, Pennsylvania. It’s south – southeast of here about 2 hours. (1 hour north – northeast of Philadelphia) The route I took was pretty much a light traffic way –...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - September 12, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

MY FIRST FULL MONTH OF DRIVING AGAIN...Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
after 7 ½ years of being homebound by my PML/ HIV/ AIDS, in case anyone forgot! {chuckle} – I LOVE being a bitch about my “situation” sometimes if only to remind those that haven’t the intelligence or ambition to investigate...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - August 15, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

My first 10 days of drivingEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I am still as giddy as a kid with a new toy! I have been driving around and doing my own errands the past 10 days and have been loving every minute of it. I also have been going on...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - July 23, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

My pure joy of freedom!Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I got my new mini-van on Thursday, July 12! I couldn’t believe I did it, but deep down, I knew I HAD to – for myself, and for all those numerous “experts” that said I’d never be able to drive....
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - July 15, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

My Independence.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Happy Independence Day all you Americans (U.S.)! My very own Independence Day is going to be July 11 – when I get my mini-van with all the groovy doo-dads I need for “disabled” drivers. (Thanks to my HIV induced PML,...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - July 4, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Another HIV/ AIDS/ PML obstacle beat!Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I ORDERED MY MINI-VAN TODAY!!! Yes, I was approved for my loan today so immediately called the car dealer and the handicap conversion company to say that I am taking the van and to order the parts needed to do...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - June 27, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Just what is all THIS for?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Is it worth it? I read Jonathan’s latest BLOG and skimmed through the others and the Forums, but Jonathan’s “Going through the motions,” was like as if I was slapped in the face and told to wake up already like...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - June 21, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

June 2007 UpdateEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Recent counts: 743 up from 650 and my viral load went from 200 back to undetectable – I am very happy!! I have my driver’s license back as of 5/31/07 as you might already know from my previous, very excited...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - June 7, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

I HAVE GOTTEN MY DRIVER'S LICENSE!!Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
... AFTER 7 ½ YEARS! Today (5/31) I went for my hand control driving test and passed – on the first try – totally amazing me. I haven’t driven a car since the end of October 1999 and with my...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - June 1, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

To live or not to live with HIV/ AIDS/ PML - for SimonEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
My very own personal negatives and positives of HIV and PML which I will post in both my BLOG and Forums. Special thanks to cmhjeff (Jeff), Juan Carlos, Robert in Red Bluff, xyahka & RAB (at this time!) Every person...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - April 26, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Response to Simon's commentEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
HEY SIMON!! IN REGARDS TO MY BLOG I THINK YOU ARE A VERY INCONSIDERATE AND UNKNOWLEDGEABLE PERSON, HAVE YOU READ MY ENTIRE BLOG? My life is affected by HIV and feel I have had A LOT to deal with for...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - April 26, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Driving lessons!Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I have had 2 driving lessons so far, yesterday and then today (4/25) and enjoying every minute of it! I have to re-train myself to use the hand control for the accelerator and brake for the left hand and the...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - April 25, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

My crazy adventureEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I can excuse myself for being busy, which I have, but most of my in-attentive mood of late has its roots to my ex and his very taxing shenanigans. I told him that I had enough and to leave me...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - April 19, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Happy Valentine's DayEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
It’s Valentine’s Day and I thought I’d share my loves of my life, for now! It is snowing like crazy here, so I have the time just to sit and write. Shadow is the 5 ½ year old male at...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - February 14, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

February 2007 UpdateEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I am just sending my most recent counts again because since back in November everything was good so the doctor decided to pass on this appointment too. My T-cells were 650 and the viral load did go to less than...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - February 8, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

I fell yesterday (2/06/07)Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I wasn’t hurt physically very much. Just bumps, bruises and a small cut on my pinkie toe that I still chuckle about. The fall did more to me mentally by reminding me about my challenges. I am always very careful...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - February 7, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Busy and a tinge of heartacheEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I’ve been so self involved with my life the past few months with working on my book. I had it edited and re-worked it and then spent much of October and early November sending out inquiries (queries) to hopefully find...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - January 18, 2007 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

I drove for the first time in 7 years!!Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
December 14, 2006 – a day I will long remember. YIPPEE!!!! I took my very first driving evaluation/ lesson today on a hand controlled car. I finally got my permit from the “great” state – oops – commonwealth of...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - December 14, 2006 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Who has more aches and pains?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I called one of my sisters the other day with a sprightly, “How are you feeling?” I asked this because I knew she was under the weather with a head cold and cough and tried to make it a point...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - December 12, 2006 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

December is here and that means....Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I LOVE CHRISTMAS! Well, I do, but I will also say Happy Holidays, Happy Hannukah and Happy Kwaanza to be respectful and, politically correct to those who celebrate the other Holidays in December. I celebrate Christmas, so I like to...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - December 3, 2006 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

November Update and recent countsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I did not have a formal doctor appointment this time because of scheduling issues, but I did get my counts from the recent blood work – the viral load remains undetectable and the T-cells are 789!!!! From 653. My highest...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - November 16, 2006 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

My anniversaryEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
November 3, 2006 will mark seven years since being diagnosed – four days before my forty-first birthday – some gift, huh? When I was told I had AIDS then about PML (Progressive Multi-focal Leucoencephalopathy), my T-cells were ten (yep...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - November 3, 2006 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

HAPPY HALLOWEEN MEMORIESEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The smell of musty, drying leaves carried in a crisp autumn night makes me begin reminiscing about Halloweens of the past as everyone it seems is preparing for it. Oh, and the change back to Standard Time tends to make...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - October 31, 2006 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Very funny PET RULES for animal lovers of the furry kindEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I thought this was cute and had to share it because it IS the truth - funny though. To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - nose height. Dear Dogs and Cats and other pets, The dishes with...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - October 29, 2006 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

My "PMS"Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I am not trying to be disrespectful to women, but this is the only way for me to describe what I go through every four to six weeks for about 2 days. So, I have to call it my PMS...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - October 19, 2006 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

I hate being bored!Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
First, a big round of apologies to everyone for such neglect, but I have good reasons, so please - don't be angry! I have finished the reviewing the editing of my book, a project that has kept me busy since...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - October 7, 2006 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

A puzzle metaphor?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
I have to let you know that I would have written in my BLOG, but my laptop was out being serviced and didn't come back until today. I have never realized how much I count on my laptop for day...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - September 19, 2006 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs

Happy Labor Day!Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
...well, to all the Americans :-) and to everyone else - just have a great day!! I haven’t written in a long time and apologize for it, but I was keeping myself busy. First, I have been spending some time...
Source: Ron's HIV Blog - September 3, 2006 Category: HIV AIDS Source Type: blogs